Looking to further entrench themselves in the local community, the Oxnard Guerreros FC have hired Ross Greaney to be their head coach.

Greaney, a St. Bonaventure High graduate, is in his 12th season coaching at Oxnard College, where he is known for his ability to develop local talent.

Guerreros owner Ty Otto called the decision “a no-brainer.”

“Everybody wants to play for Ross Greaney,” Otto said. “Everybody in the city of Oxnard knows him.”

The Guerreros were 5-10-1 in last year’s inaugural season, finishing seventh in the National Premier Soccer League’s nine-team Southwest Division.

They are looking to compete for titles, as soon as possible.

“We had a good first season, seeing as we only had about two months to put it all together,” Otto said. “We’re happy with the mid-table finish, but we’re trying to obviously win the league.”

Greaney was named National Coach of the Year by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America in 2015, after guiding Oxnard College to the California Community College state championship, the school’s first in any team sport.

Ross Greaney poses at Del Sol Park in Oxnard after being hired as head coach of the Oxnard Guerreros FC, who play their home games at Del Sol Stadium.(Photo: PHOTO COURTESY OF OXNARD GUERREROS FC)

He was also an assistant coach on the Ventura County Fusion team who won the Premier Development League championship in 2009.

“He obviously commands respect,” Otto said.

Greaney who is also the coaching director of L.A. Galaxy Conejo Valley Soccer Club, played for the University of San Francisco and the University of Liverpool (UK). He also played professionally in Ireland, Germany and Bolivia, and led the Gran Liga de Oxnard in scoring in 2006.

The Guerreros' inaugural team had a handful of players who had previously played for Greaney at Oxnard College, including fullback Tomas Araujo, attacker Tito Anguiano and striker Alex Garcia.

That number figures to increase immediately.

“There’s tons of talent (in Oxnard),” Greaney said. “I just want 20 guys who are going to show up every day and try to get us in the playoffs and make a push for the championship.”

Greaney and the Guerreros had been circling each other for some time.

“A lot of people around town were asking me to coach,” Greaney said. “I think of the lot of the same people were telling (Otto) to hire me.”

Greaney and Otto met a couple times after the season and came to an agreement.

“It works because it’s the offseason for the college,” Greaney said. “It works because there’s a lot of guys who I feel are excellent players who maybe never get a chance around here.

“It’s just a great chance for all the really good players in this area to get together, to play and try to win something together. They’ll provide really entertaining experience for everyone in the opportunity.”

Greaney, like Otto, believes in Oxnard as a soccer community and the potential of the Guerreros, who play at Del Sol Stadium.

“If we do well, I think a lot of people will come support,” Greaney said. “I think it’s good for the community to have that outlet. It’s Oxnard’s own team. I’m looking forward to being a part of it.”

Soccer nights

The Guerreros and the Oxnard Police Athletic League have partnered for “Soccer Nights,” a series of skills-development events for children ages 4 to 16 at Southwinds Park in Oxnard.

The next event is Friday. Email info@oxnardguerrerosfc.com for more information.